Progress Thread The Northwoods Notch

Well, I CAN WALK! It's been a long 6 weeks of recovery.. ALC/Meniscus surgery sucks! I was cleared to walk tuesday. Got the car running wednesday. I reset the valve lash using the EOIC method I have in the past. I verified that rocker roller was directly in the middle on the valve stem . All rockers were torqued to 20 ft/lbs in 1/4-1/2 turns. What I did find (and the source of the noise) both lifters on cylinder 4 were bled down and one on cylinder 3. Upon firing it up it still made the noise! At this point I decided to take it down the street and eventually the noise went away! Very happy. I've since put 50 miles on the car. It sounds normal and does not "overheat" like before. Best yet, the new headers sounds great, the car makes more power, and it idles WAY better. I attribute this to the new injectors, a better maf, and its possible I fixed some vacuum leaks? Man, did it feel good to drive the car!
2020 spring engine.JPG
2020 spring 3.JPG
2020 spring 2.JPG
2020 Spring 1.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: 7 users
  • Sponsors (?)


I almost forgot! After 3 years of looking I finally found a car being parted with Crystal Blue interior. It was advertised as a 1990 convertible but turned out to be a 1991. Seat pattern is a little different but the color is the same, though a little faded. They were badly stained but after a lot of scrubbing and steaming they cleaned up ok. I also drilled out the rivet so they could recline fully and removed the seatbelt loop. I'm happy with the look.. they're much better and more comfortable than the knock off Corbeau's I had previously. Now that I have the frames, I will likely put new foam and upholstery in... maybe the cobra/mach1 upholstery and SVO foam? That's way down the line though.. they're expensive!
Before:
new seats before.JPG

After and installed:
new seats.JPG
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 6 users
Well, as embarrassing as it is, I must confess I neglected a key tune up component... the distributor cap! I’m still learning about these old cars; coming from an era of modern cars with coil packs. When I was swapping head gaskets I noticed it was pretty beat up. I’m not sure How bad it actually was, but what I do know is that it runs MUCH better and smoother now. Live and learn.
307E02F8-4215-407A-8FBE-13302C6020AD.jpeg

B0BAEF76-21FA-4C88-ADB1-0684DEA96FCF.jpeg

E5149EBD-CE22-4E6A-819F-1EBC6431F5A5.jpeg

I also got some new parts to install :) and more on the way. Waiting for the vent gauge pod, harmonic balancer, solid motor mounts, and transmission mount.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users
Mechanical oil pressure gauge is in. Vent Gauge pod worked great. I’m not happy with the routing of my feed line, but that’s my fault. I measured wrong. I wanted it to go under the upper intake but it was abut 6 inches short. Maybe someday I’ll get a 6 foot line. Oh well. The car makes great oil pressure.. 50 psi hot idle. Happy about that.

06BDD542-0F29-4C6B-A3BD-FA0D0E294211.jpeg

CD1FD5CE-A3C6-4E80-9EE0-A7220323B50A.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users
A4F5F7A9-FC8B-44EF-9733-A4418CC311FB.jpeg

Pics does the talking. Unfortunately, the new mounts studs both stripped when I was tightening. Very cheap product made by Anchor. I’m going to return it and get another mount. I also installed the solid motor mounts and new harmonic balancer. The motor mounts were a pain in the azz. The old motor mounts were cracked, but not completely trashed. The old harmonic balancer was dry rotted and I believe it had slipped. Hopefully I can get a new trans mount tomorrow and take it for a spin. Interested to see the difference.
980B6074-13A7-4D4B-8A98-17F876FB95E5.jpeg

2F732612-14EA-4DA9-81FA-DCE3675769C1.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Well new rubber trans mount is in. Here's my thoughts. There is def more vibration. While it's noticeable, it is not that bad. I mostly notice it in 5th gear cruising. My girlfriend could not even tell the difference. There is a noticeable increase in torque down low though. It's probably not significant, but it spins the tires easier and quicker now. Overall, I like the solid mounts so far. The vibration is hardly noticeable for me. Keep in mind though, I ride an old harley :jester: When I got back from the test drive I checked my timing with the new harmonic balancer. 10 degrees!! IIRC my tuner set it to 12 degrees a couple years ago, so It had slipped a couple degrees. Maybe it was before he tuned it or after, hard saying. I set it to 12 degrees.. WOW. It was fast before....
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
I know, but not as smooth as the new ones. Or even close to my buddies victories. But hey, it’s coming up on 20 years. I’m jealous, I’ve always wanted a evo fxr. I can’t seem to part with my FXDXT though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Car is running better than ever. I ordered a fuel level sender a couple days ago as mine has never worked. Here’s the most recent pic of the car.. went for a cruise with a buddy last weekend.
A3889112-D677-4340-8E6A-AE4901008043.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6 users
Car looks good , but you're not concerned about having a mechanical oil pressure gauge in the cabin ?
I know you have a braided line so odds it ever leaks are reduced but crap happens.
Anyways nice work .